**Electoral Credentials Expiring in Baja California: Renew Now**
As the year draws to a close, residents of Baja California are reminded to renew their electoral credentials, with an estimated 182,881 IDs set to expire on December 31, 2024. These credentials, issued by the National Electoral Institute (INE), will no longer be recognized as valid identification past this date, informed Juan Carlos Real Torres, the Federal Electoral Register’s official.
Additionally, 43,084 IDs expired in 2023 and have yet to be renewed by their holders. While these credentials were temporarily extended to be used in the June 2, 2024, elections, this extension ended on June 3. It’s crucial for residents to renew their IDs promptly to avoid disruptions in their ability to vote or use them for identification purposes.
In a move to maintain a reliable voting system, the INE has destroyed 73,528 outdated electoral credentials. The majority, 70,373, were returned by citizens during their renewal process. The remaining 2,278 were lost IDs returned by third parties, and 877 were invalidated due to reasons such as the death of the holder or loss of political rights.
The Electoral Institute encourages residents to visit one of the 16 permanent or three mobile modules in Baja California to renew their IDs. Required documents include an original birth certificate, a recent proof of residence, and a government-issued photo ID. Alternatively, residents can renew by presenting their soon-to-expire credential.
**Budget Adjustments and Community Updates in Baja California**
In other local news, the Baja California State Electoral Institute approved the 2025 budget, which has seen a reduction in funds allocated for citizen participation initiatives. This move has sparked concern among local activists who worry about its impact on community engagement.
Moreover, the local government has requested federal assistance to cover holiday bonuses, highlighting the region’s fiscal challenges as the end of the year approaches.
The cost of living continues to climb, with reports indicating a nearly 100-peso increase in LP gas prices over the year. Gasoline prices are expected to remain stable in Tijuana through the end of the year. However, housing prices are unlikely to decrease in 2025, exacerbating concerns over the affordability of living in the region.
On a policing note, a man was found deceased in the Manuel Paredes Tres neighborhood, marking another incident in the local crime report. Similarly, a financial crime was thwarted when the Federal Prosecutor’s Office conducted a raid, confiscating counterfeit currency amounting to $286,000 and 885,000 pesos. Two individuals involved were apprehended in Mexicali.
For residents, it’s crucial to stay informed about these changes and take the necessary actions to prevent any interruptions in day-to-day activities, from electoral participation to coping with economic shifts.